WHAT: Engagement with members of the media every week to share critical updates on the COVID-19 response activities and progress made toward implementing the joint continental strategy for COVID-19 response in Africa.

SPEAKERS: Dr John Nkengasong, Director, Africa CDC

WHEN: Thursday, 31 December 2020

TIME: 11.00–12.00 pm East Africa Time

WHERE: Online through ZOOM, please register in advance to join the briefing

Register in advance for this webinar using the below link:
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iqXyI6p6RUe7ZN8dPArtEA

Live stream: https://livestream.com/africanunion/events/9033858

Background Information

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has spread to about 220 countries and territories with more than 80million cases; and claimed over 1.7million lives globally. In Africa, over 2.6million cases have been reported in all countries, with nearly 64,000 deaths.

Africa CDC continue to work with Member States to ensure an effective response to the outbreak by Member States, including maintaining key public health measures which have helped to slow down the pandemic on the continent during the first wave. Those measures remain crucial as some countries are already experiencing a second wave of infections.

Dr Nkengasong briefing this week will cover regular updates on the COVID-19 situation and Africa CDC response activities across the continent. The Director will also emphasize the urgent need for member states to step up the joint efforts to acquire vaccines and begain immunizing the population as the second wave of COVID19 infections escalates.

The briefing remains available in 3 AU working languages (English, French and Portuguese) through interpretation. Below are basic things to consider during the briefing.

• Journalists will be allowed to ask questions directly online. If you have a question send your name and the name of your media house to WhatsApp # (+251 945 502 310), the following emails (GwehN@africa-union.org, molalett@africa-union.org) and they will be taken by the moderator.
• Colleagues who cannot ask questions directly online should send their questions to the same number or email addresses.

Journalists are invited to connect and attend the press briefing on Thursday, 31st December 2020, at 11.00 a.m. East Africa Time.

Media inquiries:

Mr Molalet Tsedeke, Tel: 0911-630631; Email: molalett@africa-union.org; Directorate of Information and Communication; AU Commission

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission.

Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en

About Africa CDC
Africa CDC is a specialized technical institution of the African Union which supports Member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases.
Learn more at: http://www.africacdc.org

For further information:

Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org I Website: www.au.int I Addis Ababa | Ethiopia.